President Mary introduced Amy Palmer, Executive Director of the Lenawee United Way who spoke about the organization’s A.L.I.C.E. program – an acronym that stand for: “Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.”

A study Lenawee United Way recently released on the size and condition of the county’s low-income working families found that 23 percent of households are “ALICE”.

That means they’re earning more than the U.S. poverty level but less than the basic cost of living for Lenawee County.

The report also found that 35 percent of Lenawee County households don’t make enough money to cover costs for housing, child care, transportation, health care and basic needs.

Michigan has more than 930,000 ALICE households, the study said. When those living below the poverty line are added, 1.54 million households or 40 percent of the state’s population, are unable to make ends meet. Nearly a quarter of the county’s population “works” but still struggles and 12 percent more live in poverty. Additionally, 52% of Adrian residents fall into the ALICE category - that's 1 out of every 2 people, folks!!

Amy said Lenawee United Way, along with other United Way chapters throughout Michigan, felt it was important to delve into the circumstances of working families who still make too little to pay for basic necessities.

“Only then can we understand the challenges faced by these workers playing a key role in our lives, teaching our children at preschool, getting food to our tables and providing an array of services,” she said.

Lenawee United Way and the Michigan Association of United Ways joined in a grassroots research project involving chapters in six states. The report found that nearly two-thirds or 63 percent of all jobs in Michigan pay less than $20 an hour. Despite working and receiving financial support, ALICE households are still 13 percent short of having enough money to reach the basic survival threshold in Michigan.

Lenawee United Way, Amy said, currently works with local partners to provide some short- and medium-term solutions for ALICE households, such as offering scholarships to access quality child care, financial coaching and access to fruits and vegetables. The Community Action Agency provides a 12-week course in basic financial management.

In shedding light on the underlying causes keeping ALICE households from getting ahead, Lenawee United Way hopes to provide information that will inform discussions with businesses, government agencies, other nonprofits, the faith-based community and residents to create solutions for a stronger community.

The Lenawee United Way has developed a program called "211" which connects people in need with the agency. They are also conduction their "$31,000 in 31 Days Campaign". If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause you can visit the LUW website.